Originally Posted by MohammedC
So Assad, Did you try the shisha lounge @ emirates?

You mean the onboard one? Thats only on the A380, and wasn't available in March. A380 only flies out of JFK. My mother and I flew out of IAD because we stopped by to visit my sisters who live in DC. Emirates uses 777-300 out of IAD.

If you meant their lounge, not sure if Econ class pax have access to it. Besides my mother was with me and she is ALLERGIC to smoke of any kind.

Originally Posted by BengaliPagol
I hate getting on planes with so many other Bangalis. There is always some kind of confrontation with two bangalis guys that don't even know each other. It's always about some guy's wife/gf or about luggage compartments. It becomes heated and then some hujur steps in to save the day.

If everyone in the world was a hujur then the world would be a peaceful place.

Are you sure? Because there are many pseudo-hujurs who try their best to make the world a peace-less place.

Originally Posted by Zunaid
I think the government should get out of the business of business. Privatize the damn thing - if it is to go bankrupt let it die. There is enough demand that equivalently priced but better commercial airliners will take it's place.

I agree 100%. If it cannot be profitable, it has no business being in business.

First, Biman should not be owned by the government. The days of having flagship national career is over. Almost all flagship carriers, except the ones from the oil-rich nations, are struggling.

Second, I don't want the PM or the ministers fly on a plane owned by Biman, unless privatized. They make the life of the rest in the aircraft hell.

Third, Bureaucrats, officials, etc should fly. But, their flights cannot be free. These tickets have to be paid in cash. 10% discount is a good idea.

Fourth, employees and their family traveling on free tickets have to fly standby. Alternatively, they can be given good (but not too good) discounts if they want reserved seats. JFK-DAC flights were not profitable due to a large part because of these free tickets. And, family should mean immediate family (spouse, children, and parents).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rabz
I don't know whether any such rule is in place or will be anytime soon, but I think it should be made mandatory that anyone who is flying on Govt's (govt/semi govt institutes) money MUST fly Biman.

First priority, Biman.
Second, if no Biman on the complete route, code share.
Third, if no Biman, other local airlines.
Fourth, if nothing, ONLY then foreign airlines.

It should start from President,PM, Ministers, Bureaucrats, Govt officials, basically anyone whose tickets are paid by Govt. Should also include national team like cricket team.
In return, Biman can give a 10% discount for this guaranteed target market.
This would:

a) Reduce govt expenditure
b) help keep money to ourselves
c) increase further revenue for Biman
d) when top brasses start to fly regularly, Biman's customer service would automatically improve.

Originally Posted by Rabz
I don't know whether any such rule is in place or will be anytime soon, but I think it should be made mandatory that anyone who is flying on Govt's (govt/semi govt institutes) money MUST fly Biman.

First priority, Biman.
Second, if no Biman on the complete route, code share.
Third, if no Biman, other local airlines.
Fourth, if nothing, ONLY then foreign airlines.

It should start from President,PM, Ministers, Bureaucrats, Govt officials, basically anyone whose tickets are paid by Govt. Should also include national team like cricket team.
In return, Biman can give a 10% discount for this guaranteed target market.
This would:

a) Reduce govt expenditure
b) help keep money to ourselves
c) increase further revenue for Biman
d) when top brasses start to fly regularly, Biman's customer service would automatically improve.

There used to be a time when flying Biman was compulsory for civil servants and other Government or Military officials but it isn't now. However, many officers I know personally do take Biman if it suits their itinerary, especially if flying in Economy class.